Interview with Charles E. Barnhart, August 27, 1996

Interview Summary

In this interview, Charles Barnhart discusses his involvement in the Tobacco Institute. He describes "tobacco culture" as well as his opinion on the issue of young people smoking. Barnhart describes his support for research to produce a safer cigarette. He discusses how the move to alternative crops and the Winchester, Kentucky vegetable co-op evolved into the Farmer's Market in Lexington, Kentucky. He recalls working with Southern States Cooperative to find ways to market other cash crops such as corn and soybeans, and talks about the University of Kentucky Tobacco Institute.

Barnhart recalls how his 4-H experience while growing up in Greenfield, Indiana, helped determine his career and he discusses the impact of the 4-H program on the development of young people. Barnhart describes his experiences with Indiana State Fair Competition and his involvement in the 4-H Junior Leader Program. Barnhart also talks about the county extension structure in Kentucky. Barnhart began college at Purdue in the fall of 1941 and he describes the impact of the war upon his education. Barnhart discusses his reasons for pursuing a double major in Agricultural Science and Agricultural Economics.

Although he interviewed for a graduate position at the University of Illinois, Barnhart decided to take a job as assistant county extension agent in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. After one year, Barnhart took a position as the assistant to the state director of the Kraft Cheese Company. He mentions his marriage to Norma McCarty and remembers his decision to go to graduate school at Iowa State. He then describes being encouraged by Dr. Wes Garrigus at the International Livestock Show in 1947 to accept a teaching position in the swine program at UK in order to do research. He talks about his relationship with Dean Thomas Poe Cooper, and mentions an incident between a student and Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Interview LC Subject

Agriculture. Barnhart, Charles E., 1923- Barnhart, Charles E., 1923- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.